Mexico

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San Cristóbal De Las Casas Travel Information

The Basics

Time

Electricity

130 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin flat blade attachment plugs are standard.

Language

Spanish is the official language in Mexico. Some English is spoken in tourist regions.

Travel Health

Those entering Mexico from an infected area require a yellow
fever certificate. There are no vaccination requirements for
visitors to Mexico, however visitors should take medical advice if
travelling outside the major tourist areas. A malaria risk exists
in some rural areas, but not on the Pacific and Gulf coasts, and
dengue fever is on the increase. Vaccinations are recommended for
hepatitis A and typhoid. Travellers who may come into close contact
with animals and may be at risk of bites should consider a rabies
vaccination.

Sensible precautions regarding food and water should be followed
and visitors are advised to be cautious of street food and stick to
bottled water. Medical facilities are basic, so comprehensive
medical insurance is recommended. As medicines may be in short
supply in certain areas travellers should consider taking along
prescription medications, in their original packaging, and
accompanied by a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing
what it is and why it is needed.

Tipping

Tipping is customary in Mexico for almost all services as
employees are not paid sufficient hourly wages and often rely on
tips. Waiters and bar staff should be tipped 10 to 15 percent if a
service charge hasn't already been added to the bill. The American
custom of tipping 15 to 20 percent is practiced at international
resorts, including those in Los Cabos.

Safety Information

There is a risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks in public
places. Crime is high in Mexico, especially in Mexico City, where
robberies and muggings are prevalent. Travellers should avoid
displays of wealth and be particularly vigilant on public
transport, at stations and tourist sites. Only use authorised taxi
services, from the taxi rank. All bus travel should be in daylight
hours and if possible it is advisable to travel first class. Women
travelling on their own should be alert, especially in tourist
areas, as a number of serious sexual assaults have occurred in
Cancun recently. Visitors drawing money from cash machines or
exchanging money at bureaux de change should do so in daylight
hours and be especially vigilant on leaving.

There have been reports of tourists being approached by
'questionnaire agents', who use visitors' personal details to
mislead relatives about their well-being, so be cautious. Visitors
are advised to be wary of people presenting themselves as police
officers attempting to fine or arrest them for no apparent reason,
leading to theft or assault; if in doubt ask for identification,
and, if possible make a note of the officer's name, badge number
and patrol number. The practice is most common in Cancun where
increasing numbers of motorists in rental cars have been stopped
and threatened with imprisonment if an immediate fine is not
paid.

Recent reports of the drug cartel wars in Mexico may seem
alarming to tourists travelling to Mexico, however most of this
violence is concentrated along the border between Mexico and the
United States. The violence is generally between drug cartels and
law enforcement agents and tourists are generally unaffected
provided they keep to tourist zones and do not travel to the
affected areas. Having said that, travellers should research
possible dangers before setting off.

Hurricanes may affect the coastal areas between June and
November.

Local Customs

Mexicans are not impatient and do not appreciate this emotion in
others, so travellers should behave accordingly and expect opening
hours and public transport times to be flexible and laid back.
Mexicans are friendly and hospitable people and courteous behaviour
and polite speech in return, is greatly appreciated. Travellers
should also note that it is common for Mexicans to communicate
closer than one arm's length from each other and that it is not an
attempt to be forward.

Business

Professionals looking to do business in Mexico will find that
the North American country is a friendly, hospital place in which
to further their careers. The defining characteristic of business
culture in Mexico is that successful, productive business
relationships are invariably built on personal trust and
familiarity between individuals. In Mexico, business is always
ideally conducted face-to-face, and among people who know and trust
each other. Although many Mexican businessmen speak perfect
English, Spanish is the official language of business in Mexico -
and learning a few choice words and phrases will go a long way
toward ingratiating yourself with your new associates.

Although management structures in Mexico remain hierarchical
(and at worst, they can even be a little paternalistic), business
etiquette in Mexico is marked by a combination of formality and
real warmth, friendliness, and openness between individuals. Use
titles ('Señhor' and 'Señhora') until strictly
instructed not to do so, but do not shrink away from engaging in
personal discussions with your colleagues. Remember, in Mexico,
your qualifications, expertise and work experience - as important
as they are - will not serve you as well as your ability to develop
personal relationships with your associates. Business meetings must
be scheduled in advance, and then confirmed a few days before they
are due to take place. Meetings often begin with some small talk to
encourage people to get to know each other - and will proceed at
the pace determined by the important role-players present. Even
though executive company decisions are always made by the person in
the highest authority, junior employees are encouraged to share
their opinions during meetings, and to engage in debate.

Bear in mind that, in Mexico, it is very rare to hear the word
'No' being used in a direct or confrontational way - bald refusals
are seen as rude. The dress code for the Mexican business world is
smart and formal, with an emphasis on style. Men wear ties and dark
colours, and accessories, and the basic assumption is you'll
endeavour to look as good as you possibly can! Women also dress
smartly and stylishly (business suits are widely worn) - and will
often go to work in high heels and make-up. Business hours in
Mexico are generally from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (with a 2 or
3 hour siesta in the early afternoon).

Communications

The international access code for Mexico is +52. Some US
long-distance phone companies have access numbers which can be
dialled in order to use your phone card - calls are usually cheaper
than direct-dialled calls from a hotel room. If calling
internationally from a phone booth use the official TelMex phone
booths, as all others charge very high fees. GSM mobile networks
cover most of the country, but international roaming costs can be
exorbitantly high. Internet cafes are widely available, especially
in tourist-orientated areas.

Duty Free

Travellers to Mexico over 18 years do not have to pay duty on
400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g pipe tobacco; 3 litres wine or
other alcoholic beverages; perfume, eau-de-cologne or lotions for
personal use; a video camera and two standard cameras.
Non-residents are allowed to bring in 12 rolls of film or video
cassettes, and goods to the value of US$300 without incurring duty
fees. Prohibited goods include fresh food products and the import
of canned food. The export of archaeological artefacts is strictly
forbidden.

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